With such a quick turnaround from our trip to the Philippines, our team has been working full-time to prepare for our mission to Cuba. This preparation includes the challenging task of selecting hotels and restaurants that can accommodate our entire team, coordinating flights and transportation, and preparing equipment, instruments, and other materials for shipping.

Our dedicated volunteers have been busy at the warehouse, inventorying cargo, preparing patient charts, and packing supplies. Stay tuned as we embark on our mission to Cuba and prepare to restore mobility to those who need it most.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who came out last Saturday to help with preparing our inventory for shipping. We couldn’t complete our mission without you!

In these next months leading up to our mission to Havana, Cuba, Donations Coordinator Roshy Khorsand, will share insight into the donors behind the mission. These supporters make each trip possible and help us to continue to change the world, one surgery at a time. First up is Operation Walk Los Angeles Angel and benefactor, Jill Baffert.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jill Baffert, an angel of Operation Walk Los Angeles, for her extraordinary generosity. In addition to her annual donations, Jill has donated 20 brand-new hip kits and 10 IV poles for our upcoming mission to Habana, Cuba, this November. 

Because of Jill's kindness, we will be able to not only use the IV poles during our mission but leave them at the hospital, which is in dire need of IV poles as we noticed theirs were rusted and unusable during our pre-trip visit.

Jill’s substantial donation of hip kits is especially appreciated, as these kits are crucial for recovery from hip and knee replacements. While hip kits are a standard recovery aid in the States, they are not easily accessible in Cuba. They will make a significant difference for our patients, enabling them to regain independence and reduce reliance on constant assistance during their recovery period. We are profoundly grateful for Jill’s support and its positive impact on our mission.”

-Roshy Khorsand

Throughout 2023, we have celebrated the youth movement that is sweeping through Operation Walk Los Angeles. These dedicated students have helped to collect equipment, raise funds, and volunteered their time to make sure that both our missions to the Philippines and our upcoming travels to Havana, Cuba were a success.

This month we celebrate the student volunteers who joined us in the Philippines, Erin Kairies, Ilyana Caceres, Isabella Umali-Grawe, and Sarina Parks. Mrs. Kairies and Ms. Caceres are students at Cornell College and participated in the Dimensions Program which has partnered with Operation Walk since 2005. Ms. Umali-Grawe is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin and on track to pursue a career in medicine. Ms. Parks is a high school senior with compassion and an interest in helping others. 

We are featuring two of their first-hand experiences, first by Ms. Kairies and then followed by Ms. Parks with an introduction from Angel and volunteer, Theresa Murphy. Thank you ladies for all of your hard work and dedication to our organization.

“Our team of volunteers, as usual, was amazing: professional, hardworking and in good humor. I would like to give a special shout-out to our student volunteers who jumped in and worked as hard as anyone. No job was too small. They did it all, from interviewing patients and families, packing boxes, watching the warehouse, helping PT mobilize patients, and delivering essential supplies to the OR and the nursing floor. This was a special bunch.”

-Theresa Murphy

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to be a part of Operation Walk and its mission to the Philippines. I applied in January 2024 of my junior year at Cornell College and was selected soon after. I wanted to volunteer because I have a history as an EMT and want to pursue a career in medicine. I’ve also been weightlifting for the past 3-4 years which has given me a love for the human body and movement. Every day I get up and go to the gym to work on my mobility and strength. When this opportunity came up, I thought about my reliance on movement and how I don't think about getting out of bed or how lucky I am to be able to move around. Thinking about people who are in constant pain doing simple things like walking was something I wanted to help with. I wanted to be a part of something that helps people have a new normal. 

I had no idea how much this trip would change me. I went from knowing little about orthopedics and surgery to now thinking about looking into it as a career. I met amazing doctors, nurses, PTs, other volunteers and healthcare workers in the Philippines who showed me a different side of medicine. I discovered new ways of patient interaction and of looking at the world. From time spent in the hospital to group dinners, I got to learn about my colleagues and their lives. It’s given me the ability to empathize with future patients and a better understanding of cultures. It has also given me amazing new friends that I still talk to almost daily. 

While in the Philippines, two patients stuck out for me. There was a biology teacher in her mid-30s who needed a bilateral hip replacement. As I talked to her after her surgery and watched her walk pain-free for the first time, I got so emotional. She expressed her gratitude and looked thrilled to be able to walk normally. That's when it really kicked in for me. Another patient was a man in his early 40s who also needed hip surgery. I talked to him and his wife for at least an hour. She told me that she researched hip replacement surgery for months before finding Operation Walk. She was dedicated to finding a way to help her husband walk pain-free. She didn't tell him she was looking for treatment until she found out OpWalk was coming to General Santos City. It was amazing to see the smile on their faces as she told the story.

While I was working, surgeons Dr. Spitzer, Dr. Heckmann, and Don Shimabukuro PT helped me learn. They answered all of my questions with joy and enthusiasm, explaining the ins and outs of orthopedics and physical therapy. All three interacted with me in and out of the OR, providing an amazing overall experience. It was also a privilege to see them interact with their patients. The joy on our patients’ faces when one of the doctors came in to check on them after their operation was unmatched. When Don would first go say hello and start on their PT, joy lit up the room. Every patient was so happy and amazed they could walk. He was so encouraging and instilled confidence in his patients, I would love to work with all three of these men again in the future.

I arrived in the Philippines not knowing what to expect. I was hesitant about what someone like me, with limited medical knowledge or skill, could offer, but I was excited about all I would see and learn.

I met many patients, and every patient interaction was unique.

However, an emotional encounter stood out to me on this trip. One day, during my regular volunteer duties, my dad (one of the Anesthesiologists on this trip) came looking for me to take me to a patient who wanted to meet me. I was puzzled but followed him. In the physical therapy area, I saw a cute older lady, leaning on a walker and holding a cane that I immediately recognized: a purple cane with bright pink and purple flowers. I had spotted this very cane in my garage back at home among many other DME that I had collected specifically for this trip. The lady was very kind and had a warm smile. She thanked me for helping raise medical equipment. She said that her walker and her cane helped her during physical therapy, allowing her to walk again. She told me that it was her birthday a few days ago, and she considered the surgery, PT, and equipment she received as her birthday presents. She was SO grateful. This is when I realized that my simple act of DME collection actually meant a lot to her and that even someone like me with limited medical knowledge and skills CAN make a difference. This realization was both powerful and emotional.

In addition to meaningful patient interactions, I experienced kind hospitality, formed friendships, and felt like a valued member of a great team. Above all, I saw the power of what people can do when they come together with one goal and one mission in mind. This trip was also eye-opening, making me realize that many people in the world have limited access to healthcare and vital services that we take for granted in the US. I am now grateful for all the privileges I have in my life. I walk away from this mission trip with many lessons and a clearer idea of what I want to do in my life. I am more certain than ever that a profession in healthcare is the right path for me, as it will allow me to serve and make an impactful difference in others’ lives.

I turned 17 during this trip. This birthday and this trip are moments that I will remember for the rest of my life. Thank you, OpWalk, for giving me this life-changing opportunity.

Operation Walk is all about family. Whether we are speaking of our sister-teams 20 strong across North America and Europe, our volunteers that work side-by-side on each mission, or the families that give of their time and talents and volunteer together to help Operation Walk continue to restore mobility: it is truly a family affair.

Below we feature families that traveled together during our most recent mission to the Philippines. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your stories.

My daughter, Sarina, has often expressed an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare. As a parent, I sometimes find myself questioning whether to encourage or discourage this path, especially after experiencing the challenges of the profession firsthand. Reflecting on my own journey into healthcare, I remember that my motivation was rooted in a deep desire to help others during their most difficult times. Becoming a physician felt like the most meaningful way to make a positive impact on people's lives.

The Philippines marked my second trip with Operation Walk, the first being to Tanzania. These missions have been incredible experiences, where a diverse team of experts—surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, surgical technicians, anesthesiologists, logistics coordinators, and sterile processing staff—all come together with one goal: to improve lives through the application of medical science and compassionate care. I knew that if Sarina could witness this, she might gain clarity on whether a career in healthcare was truly right for her. I was thrilled when Sarina decided to apply for the Philippines’ mission as a student volunteer. She approached the application process thoughtfully, even devising a way to contribute meaningfully to the team’s mission. Her idea was well-received, and she was selected to join the trip.

In the Philippines, I had no doubt that our team would ensure Sarina’s safety, and was eager for her to embrace this opportunity for growth. Her experiences during the trip far exceeded my expectations. From pre-operative preparations to post-operative care, and all the behind-the-scenes efforts, she saw firsthand how we all work together to help those in dire need. I believe she returned home not only with a deeper understanding of healthcare but also as a more compassionate and mature individual.

Thank you, Operation Walk Los Angeles, for giving Sarina this transformative experience.

-Dr. Jeff Parks

Participating in Operation Walk as a volunteering family couple has been an immensely rewarding experience. Together, Trina and I have had the privilege of contributing to life-changing surgeries, helping individuals regain mobility and improve their quality of life. Working side by side, we've witnessed the profound impact of our collective efforts on patients and their families, fostering a sense of unity and purpose in our own relationship. The bonds we've formed with the 2024 Philippines Team and the communities we've served have enriched our lives, reaffirming our commitment to giving back and making a tangible difference in the world.

-Dr. Bryan Chan

With just a little over a month’s time since we returned from our mission to General Santos City in the Philippines, we wanted to check in with our patients to see how their recovery is progressing. We are happy to share two stories of women who received hip replacements through our partnership with St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Both are from different walks of life, different ages, and live in different regions of the Philippines but have one thing in common. They both suffered from debilitating disease of the hip joint, both received a joint replacement and now both are working their way back toward restoring mobility. Thank you ladies for sharing your stories with us.

“My name is Mylene Amor Pañares Fulgencio and I am 38 years old and have been a public school teacher for 14 years teaching high school biology. In 2022, I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis but my pain began the previous year. It started as an inexplicable ache in my right leg.

As a teacher, my classes are on different floors, so I often had to travel up and down flights of stairs. I remember feeling embarrassed in front of my students because of the way I struggled to walk. I remember one of them saying, “Oh no, our teacher is limping!” That really hurt, because I used to be very athletic. I loved outdoor activities like mountaineering, river trekking, and I even fulfilled my childhood dream of climbing Mt. Matutum. I never thought I would develop a condition like this. When I first received my diagnosis, I couldn’t believe it. I cried right in front of my doctor. 

As time passed, the pain and condition got worse, spreading to both legs. This January, it was confirmed that I was suffering from avascular necrosis and needed surgery as soon as possible. I wasn’t sure what I would do. In July, I saw on St. Elizabeth’s Facebook page that they were offering hip and knee replacement at no cost through coordination with Operation Walk Los Angeles. Without hesitation, I called the number and my prayers were answered, being chosen as one of the beneficiaries of this partnership.

My operation lasted two hours. When I woke up, I felt bandages on both hips. A physical therapist with OpWalk, Don Shimabukuro, approached me and said, 'Let’s walk!'. I was shocked, I had just had surgery on both of my hips. To my surprise, I was able to walk, without pain. The next day, Don visited again and my surgeon Dr. Scott Ball checked in on me. I told them that I had no pain, so they discharged me. 

At home, I started walking slowly, I could bend my knees. But the most remarkable moment of my recovery was when I accidentally forgot my cane and found that I could walk on my own!

I am deeply thankful and forever grateful to Operation Walk Los Angeles and St. Elizabeth Hospital. Soon I will be able to run because my dream came true. Thank you for helping me walk again.”

-Mylene

Ms. Leonida Ducut Villaflor is a 64-year-old woman who made a 1,000-mile trek from Manila when she had heard about Operation Walk LA's mission to General Santos City. She and her family knew that this was her one chance. She’s suffered many years of right worse than left knee pains from osteoarthritis that had become crippling for her daily activities, affecting her posture, and the ability to move independently. Despite using a walker and most recently growing more reliant on a wheelchair, she was seen and evaluated in Manila and knee replacement surgery was recommended to relieve her pain and offer her a chance at regaining mobility. Her journey to General Santos City and Operation Walk LA was guided by one of our own, team leader, Lisa Fujimoto-Yamaguchi.

Upon meeting Leonida for the first time during screening, Dr. Aamer Malik and I turned and looked at each other as we simultaneously realized there was something more to her than typical knee arthritis pain. Our observation and clinical examination elucidated that although she has degenerative joint diseases in her knees, it was indeed her hips that were of more concern. They had essentially no range of motion, as if they had fused. Subsequent additional radiographs of her hips confirmed our findings. After a discussion with her, we planned to proceed with right total hip arthroplasty that would allow her motions in the right hip and begin to help correct her posture in both sitting and standing, addressing her knees after we corrected the hip deformity. Intra-operatively, despite being a very challenging case due to complete auto-fusion of the femoral head to the acetabulum (hip socket), Dr. Malik was able to reconstruct a new hip socket that now allows the ball-and-socket hip joint to be mobile. 

Ms. Villaflor is recovering well and because of the long journey between General Santos City and Manila, her family has helped her arrange to stay in General Santos City for the initial 3 months post-operatively for close follow-up and physical therapy. She and her family, particularly her daughter, Marilyn Villaflor, are consumed with joy and hope for her to one day walk again without pain.

-Dr. Dang Khoa Vo

We were all surprised when my mother underwent a right hip replacement instead of a knee replacement this past July. We were thinking that since both of her knees were in pain, she would have them replaced. We were really amazed how Dr. Vo and Dr. Malik diagnosed during the physical examination in the final screening that my mom had a problem in her hips and they explained to us why it was important to correct this condition first.

We left General Santos City and traveled back to Manila last August 7 (three weeks post-op). She is now doing well and is continuing her physical therapy. After the surgery, she did not feel any pain in the surgical site even up to now.

We understand that her case is different. Dr. Malik advised us that her recovery will not be as fast as the other patients, since she also has knee arthritis. For the first six weeks, she was instructed to do touch-down weight exercises with gait aids. Just last Wednesday, 28 of August (six weeks post-op), she started 25% partial weight bearing as part of the instructions given to her and this will progress every week depending on the pain. I asked her if she felt any pain in her right hip and knee after the weight bearing, and she said that there was none. We hope that this will continue until she can finally put the normal weight into her right limb when she’s walking.

So far, the only pain that she is feeling now is in her left knee. My mom has traveled far compared to her situation last year where was just lying in bed and really depressed due to the pain brought by osteoarthritis. Thank you for giving her hope again. We thank God for making the foundation an instrument in helping people who have problems with their mobility.

We are forever grateful to the whole team for everything that they’ve done in General Santos. Thank you to all the volunteers, donors and everyone who is part of Operation Walk. You give hope to the patients. Your vision is truly life-changing. May God bless you all even more.

Best regards.

Marilyn Villaflor

Daughter of Leonida Villaflor

This month’s Time Machine comes from Paulina Andujo RN during her experience in our latest mission to the Philippines. Thank you, Paulina, for sharing this beautiful image. Your thoughts sum up Operation Walk and its mission perfectly.

Do you have a photo or memory to share about a past trip? Send your thoughts and images to cami@operationwalk.org and you could be featured in our next newsletter!